Studies have shown that regular usage of technology and social media can make anyone feel lonely and depressed. But, do you think so? Let us have a look.
How often do you feel lonely? If you say 'most often,' then do not worry, you're not alone. According to a recent study on anxiety and mental disorder conducted by the University of Pittsburgh and West Virginia, 46% of the population suffers from loneliness and stress. And this loneliness is somewhere linked to Social Media. But how come a person is lonely if he is all-time connected with thousands of people via social media?
This significant impact of Social Media on loneliness is dependent on the way of interaction with the Internet. First, of course, you should use social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc., to stay connected with friends and stay updated on the recent news and happenings worldwide. But when these social media platforms are used constantly for several hours in a day, the real connection with friends and family gets lost.
Second, excess usage of social media, even in public places, leads to social anxiety. For example, a person avoids making eye contact with other people as he feels 'awkward' while standing alone and waiting for someone. Third, the significant impact of social media has shown adversely on teenage kids. Social media has webbed our teenage kids so much that they have lost trust in natural and close family relations. And when they experience betrayal in their so-called online friendship, they feel lonely and socially isolated.
How To Deal With Loneliness Caused By Social Media?
People are juggling with loneliness despite being socially active due to the lack of meaningful relationships. Social media allows us to get connected with thousands of people worldwide, but it does not guarantee that all those social media friends will help you with every need and difficulty. Furthermore, this over-attachment with social media friends leads to detachment from real-life friends. Loneliness from social media is never pleasant.
Keep reading to learn more about how to deal with loneliness.
Reach out to your real friends 'personally'
When you are lonely, only your close friend and family can understand your situation better. Talk to them openly and tell them how you are feeling. Reaching out to them will help you ease out the problem.
Socialise Yourself
If there is no one with whom you can share your feelings, then try to socialise by yourself. For example, buy a movie ticket for yourself, grab a coffee at your favourite coffee shop, do some shopping for yourself, listen to some good music etc. There are many good ways to socialise yourself rather than stick to your social media accounts.
Get Involved in Social Activities
Social activities like voluntary work, social work for the community, etc., help come out of loneliness. It allows us to identify self-image. Moreover, it presents a broader image of social well-being rather than getting limited to any social media platform.
Enjoy your Solitude
There is a thin line of difference between peace and loneliness. Loneliness is when you are unhappy to be alone. Solitude, instead, makes you happy and peaceful even if you are alone. Thus, enjoy your privacy. There is nothing wrong if you want to spend some time with yourself. Scientifically, alone time is helpful for a person because it helps in introspection.
Work on Improving Yourself
Everyone deserves to be happy, and so are you! If you are not willing to meet anyone, do the things that make you comfortable and relaxed. It can be anything - dancing, reading books, reading newspaper, etc. Just be happy and calm.
Cut down the usage of Smartphone
Even though the smartphone has become an essential part of our lives, cut down its usage. The more you use your smartphone for every big and small thing, the more you will feel alone and sad. Hence, prefer to use your smartphone only when it is required, otherwise leave it.
The Bottom Line
social media is never termed as 'bad, but we should use it wisely. Nowadays, smartphones, social media has captured everyone's lives so much that people have lost connection with their natural family and friends. As a result, people are happier to connect virtually rather than personally. But do not forget that we are Humans. We believe in Social Touch, not Social Media Touch, to remain alive. Thus, Stay connected on Social Media but don't get disconnected from the Real World.
This Post is a part of BlogChatter's Half Marathon 2021
Save this Pin for later
